Yellow Mule Cabin

About

Yellow Mule Cabin was built in 1920 and originally served as a ranger station. Unlike standard Forest Service designs, this cabin was constructed according to the builder's personal preference, making it eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The small 12x14-foot cabin sits between a meadow and mixed evergreens at approximately 8,650 feet elevation, with views of the glaciated Madison Mountain Range. The cabin provides a true backcountry experience with minimal amenities. Inside you'll find three cots, a wood stove for heat, basic cookware and utensils, a propane lantern, and a dining table with chairs. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located outside. There is no potable water, electricity, or firewood provided, so guests must come fully prepared. All trash must be packed out. This area is popular with snowmobilers accessing Buck Creek Ridge Trail and McAtee Basin in winter, and with hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders in summer. Wildlife includes grizzly bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Stock facilities include a pasture for horses.

Directions

From Bozeman, drive west to Four Corners, then south on US Highway 191 about 40 miles to the Big Sky turnoff. Summer access (June 16 - December 1): Continue south on US 191 for 3.75 miles, turn right onto Buck Creek Ridge Road (FS 2599), drive 7.7 miles to Buck Creek Ridge Trailhead. From there, travel 9.5 miles on Buck Creek Ridge Trail 10, then turn right at the Trail 467 junction and descend 1/3 mile to the cabin. Winter access (December 2 - June 16): Park across from Buck Creek Ridge Road entrance on the east side of US 191. The cabin is approximately 17.5 miles via snowmobile.